VTel Wireless partners with Ericsson to launch first nationwide 5G Standalone VoNR roaming for rural America
MWN-AI** Summary
VTel Wireless has partnered with Ericsson to initiate the first nationwide 5G Standalone (SA) Voice over New Radio (VoNR) roaming services aimed at enhancing rural connectivity in America. Announced on March 31, 2026, this groundbreaking collaboration empowers VTel to introduce a fully native 5G SA network and provides existing subscribers of national communications service providers (CSPs) with uninterrupted 5G connectivity even in remote areas.
This new architecture eliminates reliance on older 4G LTE networks for voice services, marking a substantial upgrade to VTel’s infrastructure. Dr. Michel Guité, Chairman and CEO of VTel, emphasized that this innovative move plays a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide highlighted by the FCC, as it directly addresses the need for modern infrastructure in underserved communities.
Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core and advanced Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies will facilitate this progression, allowing VTel to leverage cloud-native functions that enhance network efficiency and adaptability for future development. This strategic deployment will not only strengthen connectivity for Vermonters but also exemplifies how rural carriers can lead in next-generation technology.
Per Wahlen, Senior Vice President at Ericsson Americas, lauded VTel's initiative in expanding 5G capabilities into remote regions, underscoring the significance of interoperability and flexibility in the wireless ecosystem. The deployment of VoNR will also support future spectrum optimization, eliminating older network dependencies and reinforcing the viability of modern telecommunications in rural America.
In essence, the partnership between VTel and Ericsson is set to reshape the landscape of rural connectivity, providing essential infrastructure for a sustainable digital future while ensuring local communities can fully engage in the digital economy.
MWN-AI** Analysis
VTel Wireless's partnership with Ericsson to deploy the first nationwide 5G Standalone VoNR roaming for rural America represents a pivotal moment in the telecommunications market, particularly for rural operators. This initiative is not just a technological upgrade, but a strategic pivot that potentially elevates VTel's competitive position in an increasingly saturated market.
For investors observing the telecommunications sector, this development is significant. The move to 5G SA and VoNR will enhance service reliability and quality in rural areas, directly addressing issues of connectivity that have historically plagued such regions. As VTel rolls out this network, it could serve as a model for other regional carriers looking to improve their infrastructure and service offerings. This innovation is particularly pertinent as the FCC emphasizes bridging the digital divide, highlighting the opportunity for sustainable growth in underserved areas.
Market dynamics suggest a favorable outlook for VTel due to its foresight in adopting advanced technologies and its commitment to rural connectivity. The collaboration with Ericsson, a recognized leader in 5G solutions, further solidifies VTel's operational excellence and could attract more subscribers from national CSPs looking for seamless roaming capability.
Moreover, as other carriers consider the transition to 5G SA and VoNR, VTel's early adoption may provide a competitive edge, driving market share while reducing reliance on legacy 4G systems. Investors would benefit from monitoring VTel's subscriber growth and market penetration post-launch as these metrics will be crucial indicators of success.
In conclusion, VTel’s strategic deployment marks a transformative step not only for its operations but for the broader rural telecommunications landscape. Investors should view this as a strong bullish signal, reinforcing VTel's potential for growth in a competitive industry.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
PLANO, Texas, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- VTel Wireless (VTel) today announced it has chosen Ericsson as its 5G Core and Radio Access Network (RAN) provider, supporting the rollout of a 5G Standalone (SA) network, marking a transformative milestone for rural wireless connectivity in the United States.
With this deployment of 5G Core and RAN from Ericsson, VTel is positioned to become the nation's first rural carrier to support fully native 5G Standalone VoNR (Voice over New Radio) roaming with nationwide communications service providers (CSPs). The new deployment will mean subscribers of other national CSPs will be able to maintain 5G SA quality connectivity in the rural areas served by VTel. Unlike today's roaming agreements, which rely on 4G LTE VoLTE underlays for voice, the new core network will enable end-to-end 5G roaming with VoNR. This removes legacy dependencies and delivers a modern, fully native 5G experience for nationwide users.
"VTel has long been a pioneer in rural wireless innovation, and the transition to a 5G Standalone architecture further strengthens our leadership while keeping Vermonters at the forefront of connectivity, performance, and reliability," said Dr. Michel Guité, Chairman and CEO of VTel Wireless. "Chairman Brendan Carr and the FCC have been clear that closing the digital divide requires bold investment in next-generation infrastructure, not incremental steps. Our 5G Standalone and VoNR deployment with Ericsson is VTel's way of turning that vision into reality for some of the most rural communities in America, so that Vermonters and visitors alike can count on world class connectivity wherever they live, work, or roam."
Through sustained investment in advanced wireless infrastructure, VTel supports efforts to expand broadband access, accelerate next-generation network deployment, and ensure rural communities fully participate in the digital economy.
"VTel Wireless is setting a powerful example of how rural CSPs can lead in next-generation connectivity," said Per Wahlen, Senior Vice President and Head of Customer Unit US Hyperscalers & Regional Accounts, Ericsson Americas. "By adopting a cloud-native 5G Core and enabling VoNR-based roaming, VTel is extending fully native 5G capabilities into rural America with trusted products and solutions - strengthening nationwide interoperability while delivering the performance, flexibility, and future readiness required for the next phase of wireless innovation."
"Ericsson was a natural choice for VTel's network evolution, built on a trusted relationship shaped by years of close collaboration, innovation and execution," said Guité. "That partnership was especially evident during the pandemic, when the digital divide became impossible to ignore. As Vermont school children shifted to remote learning, Ericsson worked alongside VTel to deploy a high-speed fixed wireless site in just days – helping students stay connected to their schools and peers without losing academic ground. That level of commitment to rural America made this decision an easy one."
Under the agreement, VTel and Ericsson will deploy core evolution and cloud-native solutions across Vermont, including Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core solution and advanced Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies. By adopting Ericsson's Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS), VTel will be positioned to leverage the latest cloud-native functions (CNFs) today and into the future. Together, these capabilities will enhance network efficiency and flexibility while enabling seamless integration of future 5G innovations and evolving RAN technologies.
By deploying a 5G Core and enabling VoNR-based roaming, VTel strengthens the nationwide connectivity ecosystem, extending advanced 5G capabilities into some of the country's most remote regions. Delivering full 5G SA voice and inter-operator connectivity also supports future spectrum consolidation by removing the need to maintain 3G or 4G networks for voice services.
The benefits of the Ericsson dual-mode cloud-native 5G SA Core extend beyond Vermont. Through a partnership with VTel, Xtreme Enterprises is helping expand 5G SA roaming to ultra-rural carriers across the United States. As a neutral host for more than 50 independent Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) providers, Xtreme supports infrastructure integration and roaming enablement - creating a scalable blueprint for modern rural roaming and strengthening the broader U.S. wireless ecosystem.
NOTES TO EDITOR:
Ericsson 5G Voice (Voice over New Radio)
5G Core: Get to the core of 5G's potential
ABOUT VTEL WIRELESS
VTel Wireless is a leading rural telecommunications provider delivering advanced wireless and broadband services to some of the most remote regions of Vermont. Known for innovation and rapid deployment capabilities, VTel continues to redefine what is possible in rural connectivity.
ABOUT ERICSSON:
Ericsson's high-performing networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For 150 years, we've been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com
CONTACT: Jannie Tong, jannie.tong@ericsson.com
SOURCE Ericsson
FAQ**
How will the partnership between VTel Wireless and Ericsson ERIC enhance 5G connectivity for users in rural areas, and what specific advantages does VoNR roaming provide compared to traditional 4G LTE?
What specific technologies from Ericsson ERIC are being deployed to support VTel Wireless's 5G Standalone network, and how do these innovations impact network efficiency and flexibility?
In what ways does the deployment of VoNR and 5G Standalone by VTel Wireless and Ericsson ERIC address the digital divide in rural America, and what metrics will be used to measure success?
How does VTel Wireless's collaboration with Ericsson ERIC and Xtreme Enterprises improve prospects for other rural carriers looking to adopt advanced 5G technologies and roaming capabilities?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC).
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